Compact augmented reality / virtual reality display

ABSTRACT

Implementations of an augmented reality (AR)-capable display device for displaying light generated by a display onto a predefined field of view are disclosed herein. Within one implementation, the display device comprises a mount assembly configured to removably attach with a mobile computing device associated with the display, to thereby arrange the display with a predefined position. The display device further comprises an optical arrangement having a predefined arrangement relative to the predefined position and defining the field of view. The optical arrangement comprises a first mirror element configured to reflect a first portion of first incident light that is based on the light generated by the display, and a second mirror element disposed within the field of view and configured to reflect, onto the field of view, a second portion of second incident light that is based on the first portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/366,884 filed Dec. 1, 2016, which claims benefit of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/290,292 filed Feb. 2, 2016.Each of the aforementioned related patent applications is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure generally relates to computer-basedentertainment, and more specifically to optical arrangements suitablefor augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) display devices.

Description of the Related Art

Computer graphics technology has significantly progressed since thefirst video games were developed. Relatively inexpensive 3D graphicsengines now provide nearly photo-realistic interactive game play onhand-held video game, home video game, and personal computer hardwareplatforms costing only a few hundred dollars. These video game systemstypically include a hand-held controller, game controller, or, in thecase of a hand-held video game platform, an integrated controller. Auser interacts with the controller to send commands or otherinstructions to the video game system to control a video game or othersimulation. For example, the controller may include a joystick andbuttons operated by the user.

While video games allow the user to interact directly with the videogame system, such interactions primarily influence the graphicaldepiction shown on the video game device (or on a connected display),and rarely influence any other objects outside of the virtual world.That is, a user may specify an input to the video game system,indicating that the user's avatar should perform a jump action, and inresponse the video game system could display the user's avatar jumping.However, such interactions are typically limited to the virtual world,and any interactions outside the virtual world are limited (e.g., ahand-held gaming device could vibrate when certain actions occur).

Additionally, many hand-held gaming devices include some form of visualsensing device which may be used to capture an image or a series ofimages of a physical, real-world scene. The captured images can then bedisplayed, for instance, on a display of the hand-held gaming device.Certain devices may be configured to insert virtual objects into thecaptured images before the images are displayed. Additionally, otherdevices or applications may enable users to draw or paint particularwithin a captured image of a physical scene. However, as suchalterations apply only to a single image of the physical scene,subsequent captured images of the physical scene from differentperspectives may not incorporate the user's alterations.

SUMMARY

One embodiment described herein is an augmented reality (AR)-capabledisplay device for displaying light generated by a display onto apredefined field of view. The display device comprises an opticalarrangement having a predefined arrangement relative to a predefinedposition of the display and defining the field of view. The opticalarrangement comprises a beam splitter element disposed within the fieldof view and configured to transmit a first portion of first incidentlight that is based on the light generated by the display, and a firstmirror element configured to reflect, toward the beam splitter element,a second portion of second incident light that is based on the firstportion. The beam splitter element is further configured to reflect,onto the field of view, a third portion of third incident light that isbased on the second portion.

Another embodiment described herein is an augmented reality (AR)-capabledisplay device for displaying light generated by a display onto apredefined field of view. The display device comprises an opticalarrangement having a predefined arrangement relative to a predefinedposition of the display and defining the field of view. The opticalarrangement comprises a first mirror element configured to reflect afirst portion of first incident light that is based on the lightgenerated by the display, and a second mirror element disposed withinthe field of view and configured to reflect, onto the field of view, asecond portion of second incident light that is based on the firstportion.

Another embodiment described herein is an augmented reality (AR)-capabledisplay device for displaying light generated by a display onto apredefined field of view. The display device comprises an opticallytransmissive display disposed within the field of view and a first lenselement disposed within the field of view on a first side of theoptically transmissive display, the first lens element having a positiveoptical power. The display device further comprises a second lenselement disposed within the field of view on a second side of theoptically transmissive display opposite the first side, the second lenselement having a negative optical power equal in magnitude to thepositive optical power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited aspects are attained andcan be understood in detail, a more particular description ofembodiments of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had byreference to the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that theappended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the disclosureand are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for thedisclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary interactive environment, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an AR/VR headset configured to interactwith a mobile computing device, according to embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating attachment of a mobile computing devicewith a mount assembly, according to embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 4-11 illustrate exemplary implementations of a compact AR/VRdisplay device, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various implementations for a compact AR/VR display device are disclosedherein. It is generally beneficial to design a compact AR/VR displaydevice to have a relatively small size and weight, which allows for useby younger users or other users with reduced strength, and which isgenerally less fatiguing during use. A compact implementation tends toreduce manufacturing costs through reduced material and processrequirements, and may also be more aesthetically pleasing for users,when compared with a large or bulky display device.

Implementations of a compact AR/VR display device may use dedicatedhardware and/or may use a smartphone or other mobile computing device.For example, implementations able to adapt the viewer's smartphone canprovide a reduced manufacturing cost of the compact AR/VR displaydevice, as no separate computing hardware or display hardware need beincluded. Using the viewer's own smartphone may also provide increasedconvenience to the viewer, and may provide a relatively large displayfor viewing.

Within the compact AR/VR display device, the positioning of the mobilecomputing device and/or an optical arrangement can also beadvantageously selected to reduce a moment on the viewer (e.g.,corresponding to strain on the neck or upper body). For example, in ahead-worn compact AR/VR display device, positioning a smartphone closerto the viewer's head provides a smaller moment.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary interactive environment, according toone embodiment. Within a system 100, a computing device 105 communicateswith one or more storytelling devices 150, one or more sensor devices160, one or more display devices 170, and one or more audio outputdevices 180. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the computingdevice 105 may provide an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality(VR) display functionality for a user in the interactive environment.The computing device 105 may be embodied in any suitable form. In someembodiments, the computing device 105 is a body-worn computing device,e.g., integrated into an assembly worn on the head, arm, etc. of a user.In some embodiments, the computing device 105 comprises a mobilecomputing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, etc. The mobilecomputing device may be configured to physically and removably attachwith a body-worn assembly.

Computing device 105 comprises, without limitation, a processor 110 andmemory 115. The processor 110 generally retrieves and executesprogramming instructions stored in the memory 115. Processor 110 isincluded to be representative of a single central processing unit (CPU),multiple CPUs, a single CPU having multiple processing cores, graphicsprocessing units (GPUs) having multiple execution paths, and the like.The memory 115 is generally included to be representative of a randomaccess memory, but may further include non-volatile storage of anysuitable type(s).

Memory 115 generally includes program code for performing variousfunctions related to generating and maintaining the storytellingenvironment. The program code is generally described as variousfunctional “modules” within memory 115, although alternateimplementations may have different functions and/or combinations offunctions. Within memory 115, a storytelling module 120 is generallyconfigured to generate a story using a selected predetermined storytemplate (e.g., stored in memory 115), and based on a number ofidentified storytelling devices 150 that are available for participatingin the storytelling experience. The storytelling devices 150 can beidentified using a registration process performed by any suitablemethods of communication. One non-limiting example includes a controllerdevice (which may be a storytelling device 150 or the computing device105) emitting a first signal such as an infrared (IR) signal, and otherstorytelling devices 150 transmitting a response signal such as a radiofrequency (RF) signal in response to receiving the first signal.

The sensor devices 160 may be of any suitable type(s) and configured tosense information regarding the storytelling environment. Somenon-limiting examples of sensor devices 160 include visual sensors 165,pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, and temperature sensors. Thevisual sensors 165 can include cameras configured to sense visible lightand/or infrared light. In some embodiments, the sensor devices 160 maybe included with (or within) the computing device 105. For example,where the computing device 105 is a smartphone or tablet device, thesensor devices 160 may include camera(s), inertial motion units (IMUs),etc. that included within the smartphone/tablet device. In someembodiments, the sensor devices 160 comprise sensors that are externalto the computing device 105, e.g., a visual sensor 165 included with ahead-worn device.

The memory 115 further includes an image processing module 125configured to perform processing of visual information captured byvisual sensors 165. The image processing module 125 may include anynumber of image processing functions, such as an object detection andtracking sub-module 130 configured to detect physical objects within theinteractive environment (e.g., based on edge detection information,color information, and/or other suitable features) and to track therelative location of detected objects over time (e.g., as a user and/orthe objects move throughout the interactive environment). The imageprocessing module 125 further includes a depth estimation sub-module 135configured to dynamically estimate a distance of the detected objectsfrom the user.

The system 100 includes one or more display devices 170, and one or moreaudio output devices 180. The display devices 170 may include visualdisplays of any suitable type. The display devices 170 may include anytype of dynamic display capable of displaying a visual interface to auser, and may include any type of light emitting diode (LED), organicLED (OLED), cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD),plasma, electroluminescence (EL), or other display technology. In someembodiments, the display devices 170 are included within the computingdevice 105 (e.g., a main display screen of the smartphone, tabletdevice, etc.). In other embodiments, the display devices 170 areseparate from the computing device 105 but are configured to superimposevirtual imagery onto physical objects in the user's field of view. Forexample, the display devices 170 may be integrated into a body-worndevice such as a headset, and the display devices 170 may be configuredas an eyepiece or lens worn in front of the user's eye. In anotherexample, the display devices 170 may be integrated into other devicesthat are carried or handled by the user, or having any other suitableuser interaction during the storytelling experience. For example, whileparticipating in the storytelling experience, the user can carry a toyblaster that includes an optical sight for aiming, and the displaydevices 170 may be integrated in the optical sight.

The audio output devices 180 may include conventional audio speakershaving any suitable form factor (e.g., standalone, integrated in astereo, headphones, etc.), as well as devices using alternative methodsof producing sound perceptible by a user, such as bone conductiontransducers in a body-worn device. In some embodiments, the audio outputdevices 180 are included within the computing device 105 (e.g., speakersof the smartphone, tablet device, etc.). In other embodiments, the audiooutput devices 180 are separate from the computing device 105.

In some embodiments, the computing device 105 is configured to operatein an augmented reality (AR) mode, generally configured to superimposevirtual images such as characters, objects, and/or dynamic visualeffects into the user's natural field of view of the environment using adisplay device 170. The field of view of the user is generallydetermined using sensor devices 160 such as the visual sensors 165. Insome embodiments, the computing device 105 is configured to operate in avirtual reality (VR) mode, generally replacing the user's natural fieldof view of the environment with virtual imagery using display device170.

For example, the display device 170 could superimpose a virtualcharacter to appear seated on a physical chair detected within theenvironment. The display of the virtual character on the display device170 is dynamically adjusted based on the user's field of view(orientation), the determined depth of the chair from the user, and soforth.

In some embodiments, the computing device 105 is configured todynamically select one of the AR mode and VR mode based on the sensedcharacteristics of the environment and/or based on the story generatedby the storytelling module. The selection of the AR or VR modes isrepresented as AR/VR display mode 140 and included in memory 115. Forexample, the visual sensors 165 may detect that the environment isextremely bright (e.g., when the user is in direct sunlight), which maybe difficult for a user to view overlaid information using the displaydevice 170. In another example, a virtual setting of the story generatedby the storytelling module 120 specifies a night-time setting. In theseexamples, the VR mode may be enabled in order to substantially isolatethe user's field of view from the surrounding physical environment andthereby reduce the amount of light received from the environment. Inboth cases, dynamic selection of the AR/VR display mode 140 can improvethe immersive nature of the storytelling environment, whether throughensuring the user is able to suitably view the overlaid information orthrough providing a more realistic setting consistent with the virtualsetting of the story.

Switching between AR and VR modes may be accomplished through anysuitable techniques. In some embodiments, a user-worn headset includes alight-blocking assembly comprising cross polarizers that are disposed infront of each of the user's eyes. When one or both of the crosspolarizers are rotated, the light from the physical environment that istransmitted to the user's eyes can be selectively reduced, and cansubstantially isolate the user's field of view from the physicalenvironment (e.g., a VR mode). Rotating the cross polarizers may beperformed manually (e.g., the user turns a knob linked with the crosspolarizers), or electronically (e.g., a motor receives control signalsfrom computing device 105 based on the AR/VR display mode 140 androtates the cross polarizers. In other embodiments, the light-blockingassembly includes a partially or fully transparent “see-through”display, such as an OLED or side-lit or naturally lit LCD. The displayreceives control signals from computing device 105 based on the AR/VRdisplay mode 140 and can selectively darken the display to substantiallyisolate the user's field of view from the physical environment.

The display devices 170 are generally used within system 100 to providea compact AR/VR display that may be carried or worn by the user duringthe storytelling experience. As discussed above, the display devices 170may include devices that are separate from the display device of amobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet device).Implementations of the compact AR/VR display that use a smartphone orother mobile computing device offer several advantages. For example,implementations able to adapt the user's smartphone provide a reducedmanufacturing cost of the compact AR/VR display, as no separatecomputing hardware or display hardware need be included. A cameraincluded in the smartphone may be used as visual sensor 165 todynamically provide information regarding the physical environment andthe user's field of view. Using a smartphone may also provide increasedconvenience to the user, and may provide a relatively large display forviewing.

A number of considerations influence the design of a compact AR/VRdisplay that uses a mobile computing device. Generally, the compactAR/VR display includes an optical arrangement that is configured totransmit some or all of the display of the mobile computing device tothe user's eyes. Depending on the currently selected mode (AR or VR),the optical arrangement is further configured to transmit some or all ofthe light from the physical environment to the user's eyes. It may bebeneficial to design a compact AR/VR display to have a relatively smallsize and weight. Smaller and lighter body-worn implementations allow foruse by younger users or other users with reduced size and/or strength,and are generally less fatiguing during storytelling experience. Thepositioning of the mobile computing device and/or the opticalarrangement can also be selected to reduce a moment on the user. Forexample, in a head-worn compact AR/VR display, including a smartphone ina position closer to the user's head provides a smaller moment (e.g.,corresponding to strain on the neck or upper body) than animplementation in which the smartphone is positioned further from theuser's head. A compact (small-sized) implementation also reducesmanufacturing costs through reduced material and process requirements. Acompact implementation may also be more aesthetically pleasing forusers, when compared with a large or bulky implementation.

Using a mobile computing device in conjunction with an opticalarrangement can provide the user a reasonably good field of view, whichenhances the immersive nature of the interactive environment. Generally,the size of the user's field of view is proportional to size of theelements included in the optical arrangement for a particular distancefrom the user's eyes.

FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 illustrating an AR/VR headset configured tointeract with a mobile computing device, according to embodimentsdescribed herein. As shown, the diagram 200 depicts a mobile computingdevice 210 and an AR/VR-capable display device in the form of an AR/VRheadset 220. The AR/VR headset 220 generally includes a mount assembly225 (or “mobile device adapter”), a headstrap 235, and a mirrored lens240. The mount assembly 225 defines an opening 230 into which the mobilecomputing device 210 is received. Generally, insertion of the mobilecomputing device 210 into the opening 230 provides a removableattachment of the mobile computing device 210 with the mount assembly225 and further arranges the display 215 (representing an example of thedisplay device 170 of FIG. 1) with a predefined position. In thepredefined position, the display 215 has a suitable orientation relativeto optical components (not shown) included in the AR/VR headset 220. Themount assembly 225 may include any suitable means for removablyattaching the mobile computing device 210. The mount assembly 225 isfurther configured to hold or retain the mobile computing device 210with a desired position and orientation relative to a wearer of theAR/VR headset 220.

The light generated by the display 215 of the mobile computing device210 (e.g., based on the display signals 175 of FIG. 1) is redirectedthrough the optical components of the AR/VR headset 220 so that thelight can be seen by a wearer of the AR/VR headset 220. For example, thegenerated light could pass through a beam-splitter and reflect off themirrored lens 240 and into the wearer's eyes. Thus, virtual objects thatare displayed using the display 215 appear as if present within thephysical environment of the viewer. Advantageously, by leveraging thehardware resources of the mobile computing device 210, the AR/VR headset220 can be produced and sold at reduced costs, relative to other ARdevices containing dedicated computer processors, display devices, andso forth.

FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 illustrating attachment of a mobile computingdevice with a mount assembly, according to embodiments described herein.More specifically, diagram 300 depicts an exemplary sequence forinserting the mobile computing device 210 into the mount assembly 225.The mount assembly 225 may be formed of one or more elements of anymaterial having suitable strength for retaining the mobile computingdevice 210. In some embodiments, the mount assembly 225 is formed of aplastic material, which advantageously provides a lighter displaydevice.

The mobile computing device 210 is inserted through an opening 230formed in the mount assembly 225. The intermediate position 310represents possible positioning of the mobile computing device 210before reaching a predefined final position 315. At the predefined finalposition 315 of the mobile computing device 210, the display 215 of themobile computing device 210 has a predefined position 320 relative tothe optical arrangement 335.

A lower surface 325 of the mount assembly 225 is generally opticallytransmissive of light 330 generated by the display 215. In someembodiments, the lower surface 325 is formed of an opticallytransmissive material, such as a plastic or glass, through which light330 from the display 215 is transmitted. In other embodiments, the lowersurface 325 defines an opening through which light 330 from the display215 is transmitted. For example, the lower surface 325 may support themobile computing device 210 around a periphery of the mobile computingdevice 210.

Although not explicitly shown, the mount assembly 225 may includefurther elements for removably attaching the mobile computing device 210with the mount assembly 225. For example, a press fit may be formedbetween the mobile computing device 210 and mount assembly 225 usingadjustable corner piece(s), a sliding tray with guide plug, togglepin(s), a stepped slot, a replaceable tray, etc. For example, the mobilecomputing device 210 may be inserted into a replaceable tray or othersuitable carrier member, which is then inserted to the mount assembly225 to thereby arrange the display 215 with the predefined position 320.In this way, different carrier members may be used to accommodatedifferent types of mobile computing devices 210 for a particular mountassembly 225.

The removable attachment of the mobile computing device 210 with themount assembly 225 may have any suitable orientation within anassociated display device. The elements of the optical arrangement 335collectively define a field of view relative to a predefined opticalreference point, and the display device is generally designed such thatthe eye(s) of the viewer is aligned with the optical reference point. Tosupport an AR capability of the display device, the mobile computingdevice 210 and mount assembly 225 are generally disposed outside of thefield of view to allow a viewer to observe the physical environmentthrough the optical arrangement 335. For example, for a head-worndisplay device in which a line of sight of the viewer corresponds to thefield of view of the optical arrangement 335, the mobile computingdevice 210 and mount assembly 225 may be positioned above, below, or toa side of the viewer's line of sight.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a compact AR/VRdisplay device 400, according to one embodiment. The display device 400illustrates a smartphone (i.e., one example of a mobile computing device210) and an optical arrangement 405 that is configured to reflect atleast a portion of the display 215 of the smartphone to an eye 415 of aviewer. The elements of the optical arrangement 405 collectively definea field of view 410 relative to a predefined optical reference point.The display device 400 is generally designed such that the eye 415 ofthe viewer is aligned with the optical reference point.

Although not shown, the optical arrangement 405 may include a mask thatis configured to block light from some of the display area of display215 and/or from other portions of the smartphone to prevent theseportions from being seen by the viewer. For example, a mask may beprovided to prevent the smartphone edges from being visible within thefield of view 410, which tends to distract the viewer from the immersivenature of the interactive environment.

As shown, the smartphone is arranged with its display 215 facing in anupward direction. In some embodiments, the smartphone is removablyattached with the optical arrangement 405 in the display device 400,which may be body-worn or carried by the viewer. The removableattachment of the smartphone allows its display 215 to maintain adesired orientation with the elements of the optical arrangement 405despite movement of the viewer during usage. Note that the structuralelements attaching portions of the optical arrangement 405, thesmartphone, and/or the viewer are not depicted for simplicity. Forexample, the display device 400 may include a flexible headstrapallowing comfortable wear by the viewer on his or her head. The light330 (or “imagery”) generated by the display 215 is transmitted in theupward direction towards a first mirror element 425. In someembodiments, the first mirror element 425 has a positive optical powerand the imagery from the display 215 is typically focused between about1 meter and optical infinity.

Based on the light 330, a first incident light 430 is incident on a beamsplitter element 420. The beam splitter element 420 is disposed withinthe field of view 410 and configured to transmit a first portion 435 ofthe first incident light 430. In some embodiments, the beam splitterelement 420 reflects 50% of first incident light 430 and transmits 50%of first incident light 430. Alternative implementations of the beamsplitter element 420 may have differing percentage ratios. A secondincident light 440 based on the transmitted first potion 435 (e.g., 50%of the first incident light 430) is incident upon the first mirrorelement 425, and a second portion 445 of the second incident light 440is reflected off the first mirror element 425 toward the beam splitterelement 420. Generally, the first mirror element 425 is 100% frontsurface coated to reflect substantially all of the second incident light440. Alternative implementations of the first mirror element may havedifferent reflectivity. A third incident light 450 based on the secondportion 445 is incident upon the beam splitter element 420, and the beamsplitter element 420 reflects a third portion 455 of the third incidentlight 450 onto the field of view 410. In some embodiments, the beamsplitter element 420 reflects 50% of the third incident light 450 to theeye 415 of the viewer. Therefore, in one embodiment, approximately 25%(50% reflected of the 50% transmitted through the beam splitter) of thelight power generated by the display 215 is transmitted to the eye ofthe viewer.

As shown, a camera 460 of the smartphone is included on an oppositesurface from the display 215. The display device 400 further includes asecond mirror element 470 configured to reorient a sensing axis 465 ofthe camera 460. In some embodiments, the camera 460 senses in theforward direction along sensing axis 475, which corresponds to an axis412 of the field of view 410. In this orientation, the camera 460 isable to acquire visual information for the environment for performingoptical detection and tracking, depth estimation, and so forth. Thesecond mirror element 470 is illustrated as a single 90° fold mirror forsimplicity; however, the mirroring arrangement for the camera 460 can bemore complex including multiple mirrors and/or different mirrorcurvatures. In another implementation, the camera 460 of the smartphonemay be included on the same surface as the display 215.

The display device 400 further includes a light-blocking assembly 480disposed within the field of view 410. In some embodiments, thelight-blocking assembly 480 comprises cross polarizers. When one or bothof the cross polarizers are rotated, the amount of light from thephysical environment that is transmitted to the viewer's eyes (e.g.,through the beam splitter element 420) can be controlled tosubstantially isolate the field of view 410 from the physicalenvironment (e.g., corresponding to a selected VR mode). Rotating thecross polarizers may be performed manually (e.g., the viewer turns aknob linked with the cross polarizers) or electronically. For example, amotor linked with the cross polarizers receives control signals from anassociated computing device (such as the mobile computing device 210)and rotates the cross polarizers based on a selected AR or VR displaymode. In other embodiments, the light-blocking assembly 480 includes apartially or fully transmissive “see-through” display, such as an OLEDor a side-lit or naturally lit LCD. In this case, the partially or fullytransmissive display receives control signals from the associatedcomputing device and selectively darkens the display based on theselected AR or VR display mode.

Note that although the optical arrangements of FIGS. 4-11 are shownrelative to a single eye 415 of the viewer, implementations of thedisplay device 400, 500, etc. can include independent optics for eacheye of the viewer. Further, in some embodiments, implementations of thedisplay device 400, 500, etc. may include some independent optics (e.g.,one per eye) and some shared optics (e.g., one for both eyes). In oneexample, a single beam splitter element 420 may be shared by twoindependent lens systems (i.e., two independent positive optical powermirrors) corresponding to the viewer's two eyes. Note additionally thatalternative implementations of display device 400, 500, etc. may includeone or more separate display devices (i.e., not included in thesmartphone) and or one or more separate cameras (or other visualsensors). Further, the features described with respect to a particularimplementation may be beneficially applied to other implementationswithout requiring an explicit recitation.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a compact AR/VRdisplay device 500, according to one embodiment. Within opticalarrangement 505, the first mirror element includes a flat mirror 510instead of a curved, positive optical power mirror (as shown in FIG. 4).The optical arrangement 505 further comprises a lens element 515disposed between the beam splitter element 420 and flat mirror 510. Insome embodiments, the lens element 515 provides a positive opticalpower.

The imagery generated by the display 215 (represented by light 330) isincident on the beam splitter element 420, and a portion is transmittedthrough the beam splitter element 420 and through the lens element 515,reflected by the flat mirror 510 through the lens element 515, and aportion reflected by the beam splitter element 420 onto the field ofview 410. The transmission of the imagery though the lens element 515twice causes the optical power of the imagery to be doubled.

The optical arrangement 505 of display device 500 generally provides areduced weight and cost. Normally, an optical power through a lenselement is increased by shortening the radius of curvature of the lens,which tends to increase size, weight, and cost of the lens. Asdisclosed, providing two passes through the same lens element 515provides an increased optical power without additional size, weight, andcost. Further, one non-limiting example of the lens element 515 is aFresnel lens, which is a relatively lightweight lens compared withcertain other lens implementations. Moreover, a flat mirror 510 isgenerally less expensive than a curved mirror.

In one alternate embodiment, the optical arrangement 505 may furtherinclude a refractive power. In this embodiment, certain optical elementsincluded within group 520 are replaced by optical elements of group520′. More specifically, group 520′ includes a curved mirror 525 insteadof the flat mirror 510, and further includes a layer 530 between thelens element 515 and the curved mirror 525. The layer 530 comprises aplastic or glass material, and has a thickness that may be selected suchthat the lens element 515 provides a refractive power in addition to theoptical power provided by the curved mirror 525. In another embodiment,instead of two separate pieces, the curved mirror 525 may be fused (orotherwise integrally formed) with the lens element 515 to form a singlerefractive lens. For example, a top surface of the single refractivelens has a reflective coating, and a thickness of the plastic or glassis thicker near the center of the single refractive lens to form apositive optical power meniscus lens. One non-limiting example of asuitable single refractive lens is a Mangin mirror. The singlerefractive lens may be used to shorten focal length and to correctoptical aberrations (such as spherical aberration) and thereby provide ahigher quality image.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a compact AR/VRdisplay device 600, according to one embodiment. Display device 600generally provides greater recovery of the light 330 generated by thedisplay 215, when compared with display device 400 shown in FIG. 4.

Within display device 600, the display 215 is a polarized displaygenerating imagery that is linearly polarized (whether in s-polarizationor p-polarization), and the beam splitter element comprises a polarizingbeam splitter 610 having a polarization axis aligned with the linearlypolarized light 330. Based on the linearly polarized light 330, a firstincident light 430 is incident on the polarizing beam splitter 610.Because the linearly polarized light 330 from the display 215 and thepolarization axis of the polarizing beam splitter 610 are aligned, thefirst portion 435 transmitted by the polarizing beam splitter 610comprises a majority of the linearly polarized light 330.

The first portion 435 passes through a quarter-wave plate element 615(or “quarter-wave retarder”), which transforms the linear polarizationof the first portion 435 into a circular polarization. The circularlypolarized light is incident on the first mirror element as secondincident light 440, and a second portion 445 of the second incidentlight 440 is reflected off the first mirror element 425. The reflectedlight passes through the quarter-wave plate element 615, whichtransforms the circularly polarized light into linearly polarized lightwith a net 90°-rotated polarization from the polarization axis of thepolarizing beam splitter 610. A third incident light 450 is incident onthe polarizing beam splitter 610, and a third portion 455 is reflectedonto the field of view 410 by the polarizing beam splitter 610. Thethird portion 455 comprises a majority of the linearly polarized thirdincident light 450. In this way, losses are reduced at each incidence ofthe light on the polarizing beam splitter 610 (transmission andsubsequent reflection). In some embodiments, the amount of the linearlypolarized light 330 that reaches the viewer's eye 415 can be furtherincreased by substituting a polarized reflector for the first mirrorelement 425, such that a majority of the circularly-polarized secondincident light 440 that is incident on the polarized reflector isreflected back (as second portion 445) through the quarter-wave plateelement 615.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a compact AR/VRdisplay device 700, according to one embodiment. As shown in displaydevice 700, the display 215 is downward facing. Light 330 produced bythe display 215 is transmitted in a downward direction, and firstincident light 720 based on the light 330 is incident on a first mirrorelement 710 disposed within the field of view 410. Within display device700, the first mirror element 710 comprises a beam splitter element. Afirst portion 725 of the first incident light 720 is reflected by thebeam splitter element toward a second mirror element 715. The secondmirror element 715 generally comprises a positive optical powersee-through mirror having any suitable reflectance.

Second incident light 730 is incident on the second mirror element 715,and a second portion 735 is reflected toward the first mirror element710. The reflected light of the second portion 735 may have a focusbetween about 1 meter and optical infinity. Third incident light 740 isincident on the first mirror element 710 and a third portion 745 istransmitted through the first mirror element 710 to the viewer's eye415.

The implementation of display device 700 provides several benefits. Thefirst mirror element 710 of the optical arrangement 705 has anorientation away from the viewer's eye 415, which generally allows amore comfortable wear or use of the display device 700. The design ofdisplay device 700 also allows the focal length of the second mirrorelement 715 to be significantly shorter, which reduces the overall sizeand weight of the optical arrangement 705. In some cases, display device700 may be scaled to about half the size of display devices 400, 500,600 discussed above. For example, the height of the optical arrangement705 (as viewed, top to bottom) may be on the order of two inches.Although not shown, the optical arrangement 705 may be small enough thatonly a portion of the display 215 is displayed to the viewer (e.g., aportion of the display 215 extends away from the viewer and forward ofthe second mirror element 715.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a compact AR/VRdisplay device 800, according to one embodiment. Within display device800, the display 215 comprises a polarized display generating imagerythat is linearly polarized (whether in s-polarization orp-polarization), and the first mirror element of optical arrangement 805comprises a polarized beam splitter element 810 having a polarizationaxis aligned with the linearly polarized light 330. The opticalarrangement 805 further comprises a quarter-wave plate element 815having a vertical orientation (as shown) and disposed between thepolarized beam splitter element 810 and the second mirror element 715.

Within the field of view 410, the polarized beam splitter element 810with the series combination of the quarter-wave plate element 815 andsecond mirror element 715 are arranged such that most of the firstincident light 720 having a first polarization is reflected by thepolarized beam splitter element 810 (as second portion 725), and most ofthe third incident light 740 having a second polarization (e.g., a90°-rotated polarization from the polarization axis of the beam splitterelement 810) is transmitted by the polarized beam splitter element 810(as third portion 745). In this way, losses are reduced at eachincidence of the light on the polarizing beam splitter element 810.

Generally, although the second mirror element 715 has a positive opticalpower, the second mirror element 715 does not distort or refocus theimagery as the thickness of the second mirror element 715 is consistent.In other words, the second mirror element 715 has a reflective opticalpower but does not have a refractive optical power. In one alternateembodiment, the second mirror element 715 is polarized in order tofurther increase the amount of light reflected (i.e., the second portion735) toward the polarizing beam splitter element 810 and ultimatelytransmitted to the viewer.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a compact AR/VRdisplay device 900, according to one embodiment. In display device 900,the beam splitter element comprises a dichroic beam splitter 910 (or“dichroic mirror”) exhibiting different transmission and/or reflectionproperties for different wavelengths of incident light. Furthermore, theparticular spectral bandpass of the dichroic beam splitter 910 can varybased on the incidence angle of the light. In one embodiment, the light330 generated by the display 215 includes substantially red, green, andblue (RGB) wavelengths, which is shown in chart 925 as red wavelength930R, green wavelength 930G, and blue wavelength 930B. In this case, thedichroic beam splitter 910 comprises a triple-band dichroic mirrorconfigured to reflect only the RGB wavelengths while transmittingsubstantially all other wavelengths. Other embodiments may use adichroic beam splitter 910 using alternative color models. In someembodiments, the dichroic beam splitter 910 includes a dichroic surface(e.g., a dichroic coating) configured to reflect light at one set ofwavelengths while transmitting light at other wavelengths. In oneembodiment, a second mirror element 920 (e.g., a positive optical powersee-through mirror) also includes a dichroic surface.

In one embodiment, first incident light 930 based on the light 330 isincident on the dichroic beam splitter 910 at a 45° angle, whichprovides a first type of reflectance of the light (as first portion950). For example, the light at specific RGB wavelengths may be mostlyreflected at the 45° incidence angle with the dichroic beam splitter910, while light at other wavelengths passes through the dichroic beamsplitter 910 as a transmitted portion 935. At a normal (i.e., 90°)incidence with the dichroic beam splitter 910, the light at the RGBwavelengths may be mostly transmitted through the dichroic beam splitter910 instead of being reflected. Chart 955 illustrates these reflectanceand transmittance properties of the dichroic beam splitter 910 for redwavelength 960R, green wavelength 960G, and blue wavelength 960B.

The second mirror element 920 reflects some or substantially all (e.g.,depending on whether the second mirror element 920 includes the dichroicsurface) of the light at the RGB wavelengths. Including a dichroicsurface in the second mirror element 920 can generally provide anincreased percentage of the light 330 that is passed to the eye 415through the optical arrangement 905. In some embodiments, the dichroicsurface has spectral reflectance properties that match both the emissionspectrum of the display 215 and the reflection spectrum of the dichroicbeam splitter 910 at a 45° incidence angle. In some embodiments, thespectral reflectance properties of the dichroic surface also match thetransmission spectrum of the dichroic beam splitter 910 at a normalincidence.

A second incident light 975 is incident on the second mirror element920, and a second portion 980 of the second incident light 975 isreflected toward the dichroic beam splitter 910. In some embodiments, athird incident light 985 based on the second portion 980 is incident onthe dichroic beam splitter 910 at a 90° angle, and the light at RGBwavelengths is mostly transmitted through the dichroic beam splitter 910as third portion 990.

Optical arrangement 905 may include additional optical element(s) tosuitably orient the second incident light 975 on the second mirrorelement 920 such that the third incident light 985 is incident on thedichroic beam splitter 910 at substantially 90° (or alternativeincidence angle that allows the RGB wavelengths to be mostlytransmitted). As shown, optical arrangement 905 comprises a third mirrorelement 915 having a predefined arrangement relative to the dichroicbeam splitter 910 and second mirror element 920. The third mirrorelement 915 is configured to reflect a fourth portion 970 of fourthincident light 965, where the fourth incident light 965 is based on thefirst portion 950 reflected by the dichroic beam splitter 910. In someembodiments, the third mirror element 915 comprises a flat mirror, andin some cases may include a dichroic surface configured to reflect onlyRGB wavelengths of the fourth incident light 965. The second incidentlight 975 incident on the second mirror element 920 is based on thefourth portion 970. Although the implementation of optical arrangement905 may be relatively complex compared with other display devices 400,500, etc., the use of dichroic surfaces in display device 900 generallyallows better energy preservation of the light 330 generated by thedisplay 215.

In some embodiments, the dichroic beam splitter 910 has a slightdifference in the wavelengths of reflected light and the wavelengths oftransmitted light. Chart 940 illustrates a first set of RGB wavelengths945R1, 945G1, and 945B1 corresponding to reflectance of the dichroicbeam splitter 910, and a second set of RGB wavelengths 945R2, 945G2, and945B2 corresponding to a transmittance of the dichroic beam splitter910. Such a difference can reduce color tinging effects for backgroundlight that transmits through the second mirror element 920, as thedifference generally causes the viewer to visually integrate the twosets of colors and thereby reduce the perceived tinting effects.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a compact AR/VRdisplay device 1000, according to one embodiment. As discussed above,display device 400 (FIG. 4) transmits to the eye of the viewerapproximately 25% of the light power produced by the display. In displaydevice 700 (FIG. 7), which includes a positive optical power see-throughmirror within the field of view, the displayed light passes through thebeam splitter twice and reflects from the positive optical powersee-through mirror once, which corresponds to about one-eighth (i.e.,12.5%) of the display light power being transmitted to the eye of theviewer. As a result, the imagery generated by the display and lighttransmitted from the physical background may appear relatively dim tothe viewer.

To increase the brightness of the displayed imagery and the backgroundlight for the viewer, optical arrangement 1005 includes a first mirrorelement 1010 that is nearly 100% front surface mirrored instead of abeam splitter element. The optical arrangement 1005 also defines a fieldof view 410 with a different positioning relative to the eye 415 of theviewer. In this case, the field of view 410 extends through a separation1040 between the display 215 and the first mirror element 1010. In oneembodiment, the separation 1040 between the first mirror element 1010and the display 215 is on the order of one-half inch to one inch.

Using the first mirror element 1010, approximately half (i.e., 50%) ofthe power of light 330 generated by the display 215 is transmitted tothe viewer's eye 415, corresponding to a four-times (i.e., 4×) increasein brightness when compared with display device 700, while havingsubstantially the same cost and weight. First incident light 1020 basedon the light 330 is incident on the first mirror element 1010, and afirst portion 1025 representing substantially all (i.e., 100%) of thelight power is reflected toward the second mirror element 1015. Thesecond mirror element 1015 generally comprises a positive optical powersee-through mirror. Second incident light 1030 based on the firstportion 1025 is incident on the second mirror element 1015, whichreflects a second portion 1035 onto the field of view 410. In someembodiments, the second portion 1035 represents half (i.e., 50%) of thelight power generated by the display 215.

In one embodiment, optical arrangement 1005 includes two of the secondmirror element 1015 (i.e., two positive optical power see-throughmirrors) corresponding to the viewer's two eyes. In another embodiment,optical arrangement 1005 includes a single second mirror element 1015such that both of the viewers' eyes look at the same second mirrorelement 1015, which may be a less expensive implementation. Generally,implementations having a single second mirror element 1015 are suitablefor providing a bi-ocular display device (i.e., providing the same imageto both eyes) with the full resolution of the full raster of the display215, instead of splitting the display between the eyes of the viewerwith the possible loss of display resolution.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a compact AR/VRdisplay device 1100, according to one embodiment. In display device1100, an optically transmissive display 1110 is disposed within thefield of view 410 between a first lens element 1105 and a second lenselement 1115. In other words, the first lens element 1105 is disposed ona first side of the optically transmissive display 1110 and the secondlens element 1115 is disposed on a second side of the opticallytransmissive display 1110. In some embodiments, the first lens element1105 has a positive optical power, and the second lens element 1115 hasa negative optical power that is equal in magnitude to the positiveoptical power. The first lens element 1105 and the second lens element1115 may be disposed as close as possible to the optically transmissivedisplay 1110.

The optically transmissive display 1110 is selectively transmissive oflight from the physical environment. For example, each pixel of theoptically transmissive display 1110 includes a clear (i.e.,transmissive) portion and a reflective (or emitting) portion thatpermits a partial visibility through the array of pixels. Somenon-limiting examples of optically transmissive display 1110 include anedge-lit LCD, a naturally-lit LCD, and transparent OLED display. In someembodiments, the optically transmissive display 1110 is a displayseparate from a mobile computing device (such as a smartphone). However,the processing capabilities of a smartphone may be used to drive theseparate optically transmissive display 1110.

In some embodiments, the first lens element 1105 has a positive opticalpower for viewing the optically transmissive display 1110. The firstlens element 1105 creates an image of the optically transmissive display1110 with a focus of about 1 meter and optical infinity. However,viewing the optically transmissive display 1110 through the first lenselement 1105 causes light from the physical environment to be defocused(e.g., blurs the background). Within display device 1100, the effects ofthe first lens element 1105 are compensated by including the second lenselement 1115 having a negative optical power that is equal in magnitudeto the positive optical power. The net effect of the first lens element1105 and the second lens element 1115 is a clear view of the opticallytransmissive display 1110 and of the background with no optical power.In other words, the negative optical power of the second lens element1115 corrects the light coming from the physical environment such thatthe environment appears undistorted to the viewer.

Advantageously, display device 1100 provides a very compactimplementation. For example, the height of the optical arrangement ofdisplay device 1100 (as viewed, top to bottom) may be on the order ofone-half inch to one inch. Display device 1100 may further provide awider field of view for the viewer, as the display device 1100 cangenerally use shorter focal length lenses for the first lens element1105 and the second lens element 1115. Further, display device 1100 doesnot require a beam splitter element to optically combine the virtualimagery 1125 provided by the optically transmissive display 1110 withthe physical imagery 1120 from the environment. As a result, the displaydevice 1100 can be arranged closer to the viewer's eye, and theimplementation is generally smaller, lighter, and less expensive thanimplementations including a beam splitter element.

In the preceding, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure.However, the disclosure is not limited to specific describedembodiments. Instead, any combination of the preceding features andelements, whether related to different embodiments or not, iscontemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore,although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over otherpossible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not aparticular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limitingof the disclosure. Thus, the preceding aspects, features, embodiments,and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elementsor limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited ina claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the disclosure” shall not beconstrued as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosedherein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of theappended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).

Aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as a system, method,or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the presentdisclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software,micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,”“module,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosuremay take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or morecomputer readable medium(s) having computer readable program codeembodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent disclosure may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of thedisclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. Each block of the block diagrams and/orflowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagramsand/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special-purposehardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, orcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Additional examples of storytelling devices and story management andcreation techniques, as well as proximity detection techniques andcommunication protocols, are provided in the attached appendices.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An augmented reality (AR)-capable display devicefor displaying light generated by a display onto a predefined field ofview, the display device comprising: an optical arrangement having apredefined arrangement relative to a predefined position of the displayand defining the field of view, the optical arrangement comprising: afirst mirror element configured to reflect a first portion of firstincident light that is based on the light generated by the display, anda second mirror element disposed within the field of view and configuredto reflect, onto the field of view, a second portion of second incidentlight that is based on the first portion.
 2. The display device of claim1, wherein the first mirror element is a beam splitter element that isfurther configured to transmit, within the field of view, a thirdportion of third incident light that is based on the second portion. 3.The display device of claim 2, wherein the display is configured togenerate linearly polarized light, and wherein the beam splitter elementcomprises a polarizing beam splitter having a polarization axis alignedwith the linearly polarized light, the optical arrangement furthercomprising: a quarter-wave plate element disposed within the field ofview and between the first mirror element and the second mirror element,whereby the third incident light has a linear polarization at 90 degreesfrom the polarization axis.
 4. The display device of claim 2, whereinthe beam splitter element comprises a dichroic beam splitter, theoptical arrangement further comprising: a third mirror elementconfigured to reflect a fourth portion of fourth incident light that isbased on the first portion reflected by the first mirror element,wherein the second incident light on the second mirror element is basedon the fourth portion.
 5. The display device of claim 4, wherein thesecond mirror element comprises a dichroic surface having spectralreflectance properties matching the transmission spectrum of thedichroic beam splitter at normal incidence.
 6. The display device ofclaim 1, wherein the field of view extends through a separation betweenthe display and the first mirror element.
 7. The display device of claim1, wherein the display is included in a mobile computing device, thedisplay device further comprising: a mount coupled with the opticalarrangement, wherein the mount is dimensioned such that when the mobilecomputing device is removably attached to the mount, the display of themobile computing device is positioned in the predefined position.
 8. Thedisplay device of claim 7, wherein the mobile computing device furthercomprises a camera, the display device further comprising: a thirdmirror element configured to reflect light received from the physicalenvironment onto a field of view of the camera, whereby the field ofview of the camera is reoriented to overlap with the field of view ofthe optical arrangement.
 9. The display device of claim 1, wherein theoptical arrangement provides one or both of a positive optical power anda refractive power.
 10. The display device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a light-blocking assembly disposed within the field of view,wherein the light- blocking assembly is selectively configured tosubstantially isolate the field of view of the optical arrangement fromthe physical environment.
 11. An augmented reality (AR)-capable displaydevice for displaying light generated by a display onto a predefinedfield of view, the display device comprising: an optical arrangementdefining the field of view, the optical arrangement having a positioningrelative to a predefined position of the display, the opticalarrangement comprising: a first mirror element disposed within the fieldof view, the first mirror element configured to reflect display lightgenerated by the display; and a second, curved mirror element disposedwithin the field of view, the second mirror element configured to:reflect, onto the field of view, the display light after being reflectedby the first mirror element; and transmit, onto the field of view,environmental light received from the physical environment, wherein thefirst mirror element is further configured to transmit both the displaylight after being reflected by the second mirror element, and theenvironmental light after being transmitted by the second mirrorelement.
 12. The display device of claim 11, wherein the second mirrorelement comprises a concave lens.
 13. The display device of claim 11,wherein the first mirror element is a beam splitter element configuredto transmit a portion of the display light generated by the display. 14.The display device of claim 13, wherein the display light is linearlypolarized light, and wherein the beam splitter element comprises apolarizing beam splitter having a polarization axis aligned with thelinearly polarized light, the optical arrangement further comprising: aquarter-wave plate element disposed within the field of view and betweenthe first mirror element and the second mirror element.
 15. The displaydevice of claim 11, further comprising: a light-blocking assemblydisposed within the field of view, wherein the light-blocking assemblyis selectively configured to substantially isolate the field of view ofthe optical arrangement from the physical environment.
 16. The displaydevice of claim 11, wherein the display is included in a mobilecomputing device, the display device further comprising: a mount coupledwith the optical arrangement, wherein the mount is dimensioned such thatwhen the mobile computing device is removably attached to the mount, thedisplay of the mobile computing device is positioned in the predefinedposition.
 17. The display device of claim 16, wherein the mobilecomputing device further comprises a camera, the display device furthercomprising: a third mirror element configured to reflect light receivedfrom the physical environment onto a field of view of the camera,whereby the field of view of the camera is reoriented to overlap withthe field of view of the optical arrangement.
 18. The display device ofclaim 16, wherein a lower surface of the mount is formed of an opticallytransmissive material that transmits the display light generated by thedisplay, and wherein the first mirror element is configured to reflectthe display light after being transmitted through the lower surface. 19.The display device of claim 16, wherein a lower surface of the mountdefines an opening, and wherein the first mirror element is configuredto reflect the display light after being transmitted through theopening.
 20. The display device of claim 16, wherein the mount isdimensioned to receive a carrier member into which the mobile computingdevice is inserted.